Being human, people often judge others. But in many circumstances the people that they judge is often themselves. This evaluation of their self esteem leads to two standpoints: high regard or utter disappointment of oneself. It is common belief that those with high regard often succeed in life and carry themselves well in society; while those with low self esteem involves themselves in questionable activities. But Lauren Slater would argue otherwise. She believes self esteem has no bearing on the life of a person. In fact she would argue that people with high self esteem are more hostile and arrogant then people of lower self esteem. But Lauren Slater though making a great argument fails to portray self esteem as it is really.
Lauren Slater poses the question: “Why, as a culture, have we so conflated the two quite separate notions a) self and b) worth?” (810). She answers her question saying that entrepreneurial history of America and the power of language to shape beliefs are what to blame. But to blame entrepreneurs and language is erroneous. Culture has “conflated” self with worth because its nature to judge others, including oneself. By judging themselves, people gain a deeper understanding of themselves while getting a better grasp of others. They can make decisions to improve themselves based on their self esteem. It arises in culture not from language or money hungry businessmen but from the very fundaments of humanity.
Lauren Slater proposes that, “self control should replace self-esteem as a primary per to reach for” (812). But how can a person devote oneself to “self control” if he or she has no self esteem. Without self esteem people lack the push to achieve, the need to better themselves, and the urge to go beyond what they are capable of. In essence by depriving society of self esteem there cannot be any self control because society has no reason to strive for it.
Lauren Slater can try to prove the self esteem is just a byproduct of “language and entrepreneurs” but self esteem is not a quark of society. It is the heart of humanity. It is the driving force in people to better themselves and the human condition.